FRESNO, CALIF. – After living with the specter of a car theft committed almost 20 years ago, a client of Fresno criminal defense attorney Mark W. Coleman received a letter from California Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. on December 24, 2014 granting a “full and unconditional” pardon for the crime.

Although it arrived just one day before Christmas, the pardon was not a gift, but an honor that was earned.

The letter from the governor states that the pardon rewards individuals who have gone on to “live honest and law abiding lives after completing their criminal sentence.” Since serving his sentence, Coleman’s client has gone on to build a successful career.

Historically, governors have granted very few pardons to those seeking them.

According to the California governor’s official website, a gubernatorial pardon is an honor that may be granted to people who have “demonstrated exemplary behavior following their conviction. A pardon will not be granted unless it has been earned.”

“I have known this client for 20 years, and he truly deserved the pardon. A felony conviction has tremendous consequences and a pardon can help him in many ways. Most importantly, it is a tremendous way to recognize the value of rehabilitation,” Coleman said.

“I am very pleased we were able to help,” Coleman added.

Mr. Coleman is available for interviews. To request an interview or additional media, please email Julie Anne Ines at julieanne@nuttallcoleman.com.

About the Law Offices of Nuttall & Coleman

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Nuttall & Coleman have more than 100 years of legal experience among them; and proudly defend the rights to liberty and compensation of their criminal defense and personal injury clients in cities throughout the Central Valley, including the cities of Fresno, Clovis, Madera, and Merced.

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SEX CRIMES

If you are facing a sex offense charge, you should seek immediate assistance from Fresno sex crime lawyers. At Nuttall Coleman & Coleman, our Fresno sexual assault lawyers and Madera sexual assault lawyers have the experience and legal knowledge you need to establish the best possible defense.

If charged with child pornography in any of its forms, you want to fight hard. Penalties are severe, possible federal changes apply and you could be convicted just for mailing a package for your boss or a friend.

Because arrests and convictions can have a number of negative effects on someone’s current and future quality of life, one of the most important things an attorney can do for a client is handle the disabilities that arise from an arrest or conviction.

Those who have convictions and were put on probation can start on the road to a clean slate if they apply to the court for relief under California Penal Code 1203.4 PC, which is the first step for a pardon from the California governor.

Where sealing and expunging records effectively erase the arrest or conviction, someone may still have their rights restricted because of past criminal run-ins with the law.

The gubernatorial pardon has the effect of restoring many of these rights, including the ability to own a firearm in some cases, to serve on a jury trial, and to be considered for appointment as a county probation officer or state parole agent.

FEDERAL / WHITE COLLAR

Attorneys who take on cases involving federal criminal defense in Fresno need to be skilled in many different aspects of the legal system. Our track record shows definitively that our Fresno federal crime lawyers have the qualifications, expertise and courtroom experience to defend complex cases in a court of law.

There are many crimes that might be covered under the heading of theft, fraud and embezzlement. These include identity theft, employee theft, money laundering, felony theft, forgery, counterfeiting and others. If you’ve been accused, you need an attorney who understands the subtle nuances of each type of crime so they can plan the best defense after reviewing all the evidence.

PERSONAL INJURY

Have you been injured in a car accident, been harmed by a dangerous product, suffered an injury on someone else’s property, or been injured in another way that has negatively affected your lifestyle and finances?